Everyone ready for some action?

Sir Robert: Oui...

Ursula: It depends on the kind of action you mean.

Julia: I am.

(We open with another wide-sweeping shot, this time on the road from France to Italy. Ursula, Sheila, and Sir Robert sit in a huge, elaborate black carriage driven by a tall man in a dark cloak and four black horses. Ursula wears a much simpler white peasant outfit and cloak. Sir Robert wears better clothing and carries his sword, but he still has that blank look.)

Ursula: We're coming up on the border of Italy now. Uncle says to be wary. This is a wild country, filled with savage men and women who would kill you so much as look at you. I know we age slowly, but even we cannot outrun swords.

Julia: Sounds like my kind of country.

Ursula: Uncle wishes us to look at some land he's scouting at the base of the Italian Alps. (Makes a face) I think he just intends to build another hostel to attract wild-living people to steal souls from.

Julia: At least he has plans for it.

Ursula: I really wish he'd use it for something better, though. We own four hostels like that in France, Burgundy, and England already. Why not make a more pleasant gathering place? A lovely little spot where people can share ideas and dreams...

Julia: Whatever you say. *rolls her eyes*

(That's when we hear the sound of arrows against the carriage. Sir Robert looks out...and quickly pulls his head back in when another arrow lands inside, right next to Ursula's head!)

Sir Robert: (Monotone) We're being invade.

(invaded.)

Julia: What in the world...

(Cut to outside. The carriage stops suddenly, blocked by two men in red and yellow shirts with huge sleeves riding large brown and black horses. The men wear heavy masks over their heads. The largest struts over to the carriage and rips the door open, almost off its hinges.)

Highwayman #1: (Heavy Italian accent) Ok, everyone out!

Sir Robert: That was not a wise choice, monseuir.

Julia: *Smirks* You're so strong...

Highwayman #1: Thanks, sister. (He pulls her out) Just for the compliment (pulls her necklace off of her) I'll do you first.

Julia: I'd prefer if you actually would DO me, instead of steal me blind.

Highwayman #1: I'd rather do both. (Yanks her hand and pulls off two rings) You girls are loaded, are you not?

Ursula: Ouch! (Two men yank off her necklace and bracelets) Let go of me!

Sir Robert: (Quietly) I would not do that.

Highwayman #2: (Takes Robert's cufflinks, then reaches for his sword) Look at this pretty thing! It's too pretty for a skinny runt like you!

Sir Robert: (Pulls away) I would not do that.

Ursula: Leave him alone! (Tries to pull away from the two men) Don't touch me!

Sir Robert: I would prefer it if you would leave them alone.

Highwayman #3: (Pushes Robert) And what'll you do about it, skinny?

Sir Robert: I will do this. (He attacks all of the men at once, hacking into the leader outright. We see men fall to the ground, bloody. Ursula finally elbows one of her men as Robert stabs the other.)

*Julia punches the highwayman that stole her jewelry.*

(When Ursula pulls back and looks around, some of the men are on the ground, dead. Others are running for their horses, or gasp and try to hold their wounds. Ursula and Julia join Sir Robert, who holds his sword to the lead highwayman.)

Sir Robert: Give my mistresses back their jewelry.

Highwayman #1: (His eyes are wide) How did you do that? You're amazing!

Sir Robert: You will give my mistresses back their jewelry.

Highwayman #1: (He doesn't see Julia raise her hand) I don't... (He starts to gasp) How...oohhh...

Ursula: (Sees the black light around him) Julia, don't kill him! We need to find out who sent these men! Only Uncle and some of his people knew we would be crossing this way!

Highwayman #1: (Gasps and grabs his neck) We don't know...who he was...dark-haired man...deep voice...Bela....

Ursula: (Raises an eyebrow) I heard a familiar name in there.

Sir Robert: Mr. Bela?

Highwayman #1: Don't know...know he had money... (gasps harder) ...please....

Ursula: Julia, let him go!

Sir Robert: We were attacked by Mr. Bela's men. Do you know why?

Highwayman #1: No...just said take the women and jewelry...kill any men with them....

Sir Robert: Then you are just robbers.

Highwayman #1: Yes... (He gasps harder) please...air...

*Julia then turns the men into birds.*

Sir Robert: (He picks up the jewelry that was dropped on the ground) Here you go. (Hands it to Julia)

Ursula: Julia, was that really necessary? We could have let them go to their families and buried the remaining ones.

Sir Robert: We are ready to go now.

Julia: Did it look like they were going to let US go?

Ursula: Still, there was no need to do THAT. (Frowns) And why would Belavarg hire men to capture us?

Sir Robert: He does not seem trustworthy.

Ursula: I don't trust Belavarg, Julia. There's something going on here.

Julia: I don't trust him, either.

Ursula: The only way we're going to get to the bottom of this mystery is to meet Uncle and Belavarg in Italy.

(Sir Robert sheaves his sword, then nuzzles Julia.)

Julia: Ooh, Sir Robert...

Sir Robert: Shall we (nuzzles more) leave now?

Ursula: Honestly, Julia. Did you see what he can do? He's amazing! He took on a whole band of Italian highwaymen alone, and there isn't a scratch on him!

Julia: And that's why we're leaving now. He's amazing.

Ursula: Yes, but...you should make him part of our army, not some play toy! He's a warrior, not a plaything!

Julia: He is a warrior. I think he just proved that.

Ursula: Yes, but...he should be doing something besides being in your bed. I think he's strong enough...he could even wield our powers! There's something about him that's almost animal. It's like he isn't human...he's different....

Julia: That's what I like about him.

Ursula: Julia, if we could just give him the powers...

Julia: Are you kidding? He's the best slave I've ever had!

Ursula: Julia! (Sighs) Fine. We'll discuss this in Italy.

Sir Robert: (Kisses Julia's neck lightly) Italy...

Ursula: (Groans) Let's just go! You two can make love when we get there.

(Julia pulls Robert into the carriage, and Ursula follows them. The carriage starts up again as the camera follows them down the well-worn path to a country inn, just outside a large town. It's not especially pretty, but it's large and seems clean. There's a barn next to the inn and pens with chickens and pigs.)

Zero: (He greets the trio when they arrive) Girls, really. Your lateness is getting to be a terrible habit.

Ursula: I'm sorry Uncle, but we were... (looks over her shoulder at Julia and Robert nuzzling and makes a face) oh, would you two just save that for inside?

*Julia smirks.*

Zero: Julia, you know we're here to collect souls. I hope that new slave doesn't prove to be a distraction.

(Sir Robert kisses her ear and whispers something into it.)

Julia: *Giggles, then composes herself* No distraction at all.

Ursula: (She turns to Zero) Uncle, we were late because we were beset by highwaymen on the road. They tried to steal our jewels and kill Sir Robert.

Julia: And our new friend showed them who's boss.

Zero: (Raises an eyebrow) He did, did he? So that sword isn't just for show.

Ursula: He was marvelous with it! I think he'd make a wonderful demon.

Zero: He's a human. Barely fit for a slave.

Ursula: But...

Zero: He's a slave, Ursula. You really need to stop this feeling business.

Ursula: (Makes a face) But Uncle...

Zero: No "buts," dear. (Takes her arm) Come on, now. Why don't we go inside and have dinner?

Ursula: Uncle, we have something else to tell you. We think Belavarg may have been the one who sent those highwaymen!

Zero: My dear, he's a demon, certainly, but he's also one of my best men.

Ursula: Julia saw it, too!

Zero: Julia, is this true?

Julia: Well, yes...

Zero: (Narrows his eyes) I'll have a word with him tonight. (Turns to the other two) You ladies may turn in.

Ursula: Uncle...

Zero: No more about this feelings business. (He heads in, followed by Julia tugging Robert along. Ursula hangs back, watching Julia and Robert sadly...until she blinks her eyes, smiles a little, and heads inside...)

(Cut to the barn. It's late at night. The moon shows through the barn, which is mostly empty except for a cow and a horse and hay. Sir Robert wanders in, holding his sword and looking around.)

Sir Robert: Hello? Bonjour? I was called here...

*Ursula steps out, wearing a white peasant gown, hands clasped in front of her.*

Ursula: Hello, Sir Robert.

Sir Robert: (Turns around, his blank eyes blinking) Hello, Lady Ursula. Why did you call me here?

Ursula: I wish to help you. I want to restore you to the way you were... before my sister got a hold of you.

Sir Robert: (Squints) The way I was. (Frowns) But Mademoiselle Julia...

(The two kneel by the window, as the moonlight shows down. Ursula makes a white light appear in a dark light in her hand.)

*Ursula takes the white light & shoves it at Sir Robert's chest, her fingers barely & briefly going into his chest.*

(Sir Robert screams for a minute, then gasps...and opens his eyes, revealing his regular brown color. They're far from blank. In fact, they're full of fire!)

Sir Robert: Merci, Mademoiselle Ursula.

Ursula: You're welcome.